Thinking of a minkie?
While our blogging friend Deja Pseu swans about in Colorado in her vintage mink jacket, the temps dip ever lower here in Canada.Here's a glimpse of me in the snuggly sheared mink duffle I bought seven
years ago on eBay, in perfect condition then and still in great shape. Whether shopping online or in a store, check whether the pelts are supple and glossy, the stitching intact. Be willing to replace a button or even replace a lining, and you too can beat brrr with fur.Now is the time to make an offer: vendors want to clear stock and you'll have ample time (in this part of the world) to enjoy it before sending it to fur storage.
I have a soft spot for mink jackets: they are light, warm, and chic with pants or skirts, and wear better than a full-length coat. You'll get more wear from a jacket than a coat, and if you've ever seen women hauling their long fur coats above the slush, you'll appreciate the shorter length.
The sweet selection above is from Estate Furs, a site with offerings from various sellers. The site has detailed measurements for each piece and many more on offer (as well as other furs); search "jackets"/"mink" and have fun!
Pictured above, from left to right:
1. Tourmaline mink jacket from Kruger Furs, size 10, $295.
2. Autumn haze shawl-collared jacket, size 12-14, $400 from Day Furs.
3. Versatile, hip tourmaline vest, reverses to camel leather, size 10, $600 from Day Furs.
4. Blackgama wing-collar jacket for a petite woman, size 2-4; look at the quality of this coat! $700 from Day Furs.
Comments
Another sturdy fur which can be had even cheaper is mouton (fancy way of saying sheep). I used to wear great mouton jackets from the 40s in grad school and they kept me warm in the freezing midwest.
I wear my mink very seldom, but in winter it hangs on the back of my bedroom door so that I can stroke it and smell it (!) every time I pass.
And I like to wear it with very simple clothes, for example a plain high neck sweater and matching brown trousers. In that way I feel it makes more of a statement, a la Audrey Hepburn.
When I was buying I was told to look for natural undyed male mink for value for money. I think male mink is thicker, longer lasting and has more guard hairs.
I like how you're wearing your mink!
Frugal: You can find mouton on eBay but it seems to have vanished from stores, replaced by sheepskin, which I find just too heavy in all but the very finest quality. I gave away two coats b/c felt like I was carrying a two year old in them.
A cashmere knit beret would also work.
For a more Audrey look, a felt cloche or Hermes scarf folded into a long band (but of course not in snow!)